Magnificent Myra - or Is It?

Located in the sleepy, modern day town of Demre, Turkey, Myra was once one of the largest and most important cities of the Lycian Union. While there is no written mention of the town before the 1st century BC, it must have been established for quite some time to achieve that ranking.

But little remains of the ancient metropolis. Why aren't there more finds for a city of this significance?

Most archaeologists agree that the majority of the city is still buried under 6 meters (18 feet!) of alluvial silt deposited by the Myros River.

What Do We Actually Know About Myra?

Nowadays, Demre is not much more than a quaint Turkish village, housing bountiful, wall-to-wall greenhouses and a museum honouring St. Nicholas. But we know that the secrets of days gone by in ancient Myra are hidden just below the surface.

The Ruins of Ancient Myra: A Photo Gallery

Updated September 26, 2021

Click on any image to expand it.

First view of the tombs and theatre at Myra after entering the open air museumCarving of a notable family of three who once lived in MyraLooking down towards the stage area of the ancient stone theatre at MyraRock tombs in a cliff towering behind the theatre at MyraA close-up of the intricate stone carving on top of a doorway in the ancient Greco-Roman theatreLycian rock tombs provide a backdrop to the restored theatre at MyraOrnate Lycian tombs carved into the face of a steep rock cliffCarving of a notable family of three who once lived in MyraCarving of a notable family of three who once lived in MyraCarving of a notable family of three who once lived in Myra with rock tombs in the distanceOrnate Lycian tombs carved into the face of a steep rock cliffSeats and the main stage of the Lycian theatre at MyraSeats and the main stage of the Lycian theatre at MyraTourists exploring the well-restored theatre at MyraRock tombs overlooking the meticulously restored theatre at MyraThe theatre at Myra surrounded by rocky hillsTourists milling about the open air museum at Myra in Demre, Antalya, TurkeyThe theatre at Myra surrounded by rocky hillsThe theatre at Myra surrounded by rock tombs in the surrounding cliffsPanoramic view of the theatre at Myra, surrounded by ancient tombs in the distancePanorama of the theatre from the centre of the top row of seats with modern day Demre in the distanceDecorative carving depicting the family who ruled over ancient Myra when the tombs were first built, with rock tombs in the backgroundView of the stone carved Lycian theatre at Myra, Demre, TurkeyThe theatre at Myra surrounded by rocky hillsDetailed view of the intricate carving on the front of the rock tombs at MyraDetailed view of the intricate carving on the front of the rock tombs at MyraRemains of a statue and Greek lettering carved into an alcove on the wall at the Myra theatreLycian rock tombs provide a backdrop to the theatre at MyraLooking up a stone block crafted staircase towards a brilliant blue skyA tall, narrow arched entrance way in the ruins of an ancient theatreClose-up of a decorative stone door-topperPiece of ornamental stone carving depicting the face of a female surrounded by leavesOverarching view of the restored theater at MyraRemnants of a stone carving depicting two male figures readying for battle, was likely part of a tomb decorationStone carving on the face of the Lycian rock tombs at MyraRemains of rock carving of two figures holding a flower garland, on the face of the restored theater at MyraRemains of rock carving of two figures holding a flower garland, on the face of the restored theater at MyraFace of a Medusa-like character carved into rock, formed part of the theater decoration at MyraOverview of theatre and rock tombs at the active archaeologic site of ancient Myra